The new Bod Pod will accurately
measure body composition for
obesity and sports performance
research.

A new Bod Pod able to accurately measure body composition including fat and muscle mass has the potential to boost research on obesity and athletic performance. 

The space capsule-like pod is part of a new suite of high-tech equipment at the University’s new Human Nutrition Research Centre – Te Wahanga Rangahau Kai -  in Albany, including a bone density scanner and clinical laboratory. The American-made machine is one of only two machines in the country, the other at Massey Manawatu

The pod measures and tracks body fat and lean muscle mass using air displacement technology – replacing the tape measure and callipers or water displacement tanks previously used in research.

Associate Professor  Welma Stonehouse says the Bod Pod is a highly useful analytical tool for research related to obesity, as well as for elite athletes who need to closely monitor muscle and fat ratios.

“The Bod Pod gives a very accurate reading for body composition because it measures weight and volume,” she says.

“Because fat weighs less than muscle, it can be difficult to gain a precise estimate of how much fat an individual is made of and this can lead to false interpretations of what it means to be overweight.”